Mike Simmonds

Brighton first team coach Nathan Jones is now the clear bookies favourite with league sponsors Sky Bet, taking over from long-term leader David James.

“I don’t think it really matters who it is who comes in as long as the team react well to it and we’re doing it on the pitch.”

Luke Wilkinson

While James has only briefly managed in the Indian Premier League, with Jones spending just two games in charge of the Seagulls as interim boss last season, Wilkinson doesn’t think that should count against them.

He said: “People come in, they’ve all got new ideas haven’t they and they would freshen things up.

“So I don’t think it really matters who it is who comes in as long as the team react well to it and we’re doing it on the pitch.

“As player you’re looking out (at the odds), but we don’t know what the people upstairs are going to decide and who they want.

“We’ve just got to play it by ear and see what happens.”

When asked about James getting the top job, Wilkinson, speaking after the 1-1 Final Third Development League draw with Leyton Orient, said: “When I was at Portsmouth he was there, so I sort of know him from there.

“It’s no secret that when John Still was here, he was always in and he’s always in now, so all the lads know him and know what he’s about.